Slip recliner mechanism and seat with increased seat inclination

Abstract

A glide recliner mechanism is provided that allows a user to obtain a fully reclined position of zero gravity with the seat at an increased tilt. The slip recliner mechanism moves the seat forward when the recliner moves from the stowed position to the extended position. When the seat moves from the extended position to the fully reclined position, the glide recliner mechanism pivots about a lower and rearward point than previous mechanisms, allowing the seat to have a lower center of gravity and increasing stability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of glide recliners and to a glide recliner mechanism for a glide chair that allows for a glide motion in a stowed position and allows for an increased seat recline / tilt angle in a fully reclined position while maintaining stability. BACKGROUND

[0002] Glide chairs are now a common piece of furniture. Glide chairs allow a user to move the chair in a back and forth, reciprocating, motion. Some of these glide chairs are operable to move the chair from a stowed position, where the ottoman is stowed under the seat and the backrest is generally upright, to an extended or TV position, where the ottoman is extended in front of the seat and the backrest remains generally upright, to a fully reclined position, where the ottoman is extended and the seat back is reclined / tilted.

[0003] Other recliners now provide such a fully reclined position where the seat, typically a seat, is in an increased reclined position. These chairs are sometimes referred to as zero gravity chairs because the user is reclined at a greater angle in the fully reclined position than with other recliners. It is desirable to provide such a fully reclined position in a glide chair. However, in existing glide chairs, moving the chair to a zero gravity position compromises the stability of the chair and can even result in a tip over situation. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments of the invention are defined by the following claims, rather than by the summary description of the invention. For that reason, there is provided herein an advanced summary of multiple aspects of the invention, in order to provide an overview of the disclosure and introduce some of the concepts that will be further described in the detailed description section that follows. This summary is not intended to determine key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it meant to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, alone, in isolating helpful aspects of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The present invention relates to a glide recliner mechanism, and a recliner using the mechanism. The glide recliner mechanism can be used on a chair having glide functionality and can be moved between a stowed position, an extended position, and a fully reclined zero gravity position where the backrest is tilted and the seat recline is increased for user comfort. Upon moving to the extended position, the glide recliner mechanism moves forward and downward to increase the stability of the chair when moved to the fully reclined zero gravity position. During the movement from the extended position to the fully reclined zero gravity position, the glide recliner mechanism also pivots about a lower and more rearward point than other mechanisms, again making the chair more stable and reducing the likelihood of a tip over situation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the following description of the drawings wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 A side view of a glide-recliner mechanism for a glide chair is shown according to one aspect of the disclosure, the glide-recliner mechanism in a stowed position;

[0008] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 but with some parts hidden to more clearly show other links;

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective cutaway view of the mechanism shown in Figure 1 ; and

[0010] Figure 4 A side view of a glide-recliner mechanism for a glide chair is shown according to one aspect of the disclosure, the glide-recliner mechanism in an extended position;

[0011] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 but with some parts hidden to more clearly show other links;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective cutaway view of the mechanism shown in Figure 4 ; and

[0013] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 but with some parts hidden to more clearly show other links;

[0014] Figure 8 A side view of a glide-recliner mechanism for a glide chair is shown according to one aspect of the disclosure, the glide-recliner mechanism in a fully reclined position;

[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective cutaway view of the mechanism shown in Figure 8 ; and

[0016] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a glide chair on a swivel base (footrest and footrest linkage not shown), showing the seat, backrest, and armrests in a fully reclined position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might also be implemented in other ways to include different steps, components, or combinations of steps or components.

[0018] The present application is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. Terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in the following description for the purposes of description and are not intended to limit the nature, order, sequence or number of such elements, unless otherwise specified. Additionally, any orientation terms such as "up / down," "front / back," and "left / right" can be used in the following description and refer to the orientation or direction of the glide recliner mechanism in a glide recliner relative to a user seated in the seat. Unless otherwise specified, these orientation terms are used for convenience of description only and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present application in any way. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the present specification, identical and / or functionally identical technical features are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0019] Figures 1-3 The glide recliner mechanism 100 is shown in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the glide recliner mechanism 100 allows the user of the seat to slide back and forth (seat and backrest reciprocate forward and backward) with the glide recliner mechanism 100. As shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 also allows the seat to move to an extended position or "TV" position, where the ottoman is extended in front of the seat and the backrest is generally upright. In the extended position, the glide recliner mechanism 100 prevents glide motion. Additionally, in the extended position, the glide recliner mechanism 100 moves the seat forward with new glide geometry to compensate for the forward weight shift of the extended position. The glide recliner mechanism 100 also allows the seat to move to a fully reclined position, as shown, increasing the backrest recline and seat tilt to provide a "zero-gravity" type of position. Figures 4-7 Figures 8-9 As shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can include a pair of spaced apart base rails 102. In other aspects, as shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can be mounted on a swivel base 104. As best shown in

[0020] As shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can include a pair of spaced apart base rails 102. In other aspects, as shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can be mounted on a swivel base 104. As best shown in Figures 1-9 Figure 10 As shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can include a pair of spaced apart base rails 102. In other aspects, as shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can be mounted on a swivel base 104. As best shown in Figure 6 As shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can include a pair of spaced apart base rails 102. In other aspects, as shown, the glide recliner mechanism 100 can be mounted on a swivel base 104. As best shown in Figure 2 ​​pivotally coupled to the rear end of the skid 106 at pivot point 110. The lower end of the rear skid link 108 is pivotally coupled to the carrier / link 112 at pivot point 114. Generally midway between pivot points 110 and 114, the rear skid link 108 includes an outwardly extending pin 116. As the rear skid link 108 moves or swings forward and rearward (allowing for skid movement), the pin 116 travels within an arcuate slot 118 formed in the carrier / link 112. As Figure 3 shown, the rear skid links 108 can be coupled to one another by a rear support tube 120.

[0021] As Figure 8 shown best in FIG. 1, the front skid link 122 is pivotally coupled to the front end of the skid 106 at pivot point 124. Unlike the lower end of the front skid link 122 in prior skid mechanisms, which is coupled to the carrier / link, the lower end of the front skid link 122 is pivotally coupled to a skid pivot link 126 at pivot point 128. Like the rear skid links 108, the front skid link 122 can be coupled to one another by a front support tube 130, as Figure 9 shown best in FIG. 1. Returning to Figure 8 , the upper end of the skid pivot link 126 is pivotally coupled to the carrier / link 112 at pivot point 132. The skid pivot link 126 is slightly bent between pivot point 128 and pivot point 132. At this bend, the skid pivot link 126 is pivotally coupled to a skid control link 134 at pivot point 136. The skid control link 134 extends rearward from pivot point 136 and is pivotally coupled to a rear pivot link 138 at its opposite end at pivot point 140. The rear pivot link 138 is also pivotally coupled to the carrier / link 112 at pivot point 142. As Figure 3 shown, the carrier / link 112 can be coupled to one another near pivot point 142 by a cross tube 144.

[0022] As Figure 2 shown best in FIG. 1, a rear blocking cam 146 is pivotally coupled to the carrier / link 112 at pivot point 148. Opposite pivot point 148, the rear cam 146 has a cam surface 150, the significance of which will be further described below. Similarly, a front blocking cam 152 is pivotally coupled to the carrier / link 112 at pivot point 154. Like the rear cam 146, the front cam 152 has a cam surface 156. In addition, the front cam 152 extends beyond pivot point 154 and is pivotally coupled to a cam link 158 at pivot point 160. Returning to Figure 8The end of the cam link 158 opposite the pivot point 160 is pivotally coupled to the slide control link 134 at a pivot point 162. The slide pivot link 126 is also pivotally coupled to a rear cam control link 164 at a pivot point 166. The other end of the rear cam control link 164 is pivotally coupled to the rear cam 146 at a pivot point 168.

[0023] When the slide recliner mechanism 100 is moved from the Figures 1-3 retracted position to the Figures 4-7 extended position, the slide pivot link 126 rotates about the pivot point 132 and moves the pivot point 128 (counterclockwise as shown in the figures) forward. This motion pulls the cam link 158 forward, causing the front cam 152 to rotate (from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shown in Figure 5 ) about the pivot point 154. As the front cam 152 rotates, the cam surface 156 acts on the pin 116, moving it toward the center of the arcuate slot 118. Similarly, as the slide pivot link 126 rotates, it pulls the rear cam control link 164 forward, causing the rear cam 146 to rotate (from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shown in Figure 5 ) about the pivot point 148. As the rear cam 146 rotates, the cam surface 150 acts on the pin 116, moving it toward the center of the arcuate slot 118. Both the front cam 152 and the rear cam 146 serve to move the pin 116 (and thus the rear slide link 108) to the middle of the arcuate slot 118, regardless of where the rear slide link 108 is located when the slide recliner mechanism 100 is moved to the extended position. Once in the position shown in Figure 5 , the pin 116 is held in place by the front cam 152 and the rear cam 146, preventing the rear slide link 108 from moving forward or backward (and thus preventing any slide motion).

[0024] As shown in Figure 2 , the rear pivot link 138 is pivotally coupled to a seat plate 167 at a pivot point 171. The seat plate 167 is used to mount (e.g., by seat brackets 169) the seat of the chair. As best shown in Figure 7 , in some aspects, the rear pivot link 138 can also include a fixed pin 170 extending inwardly from the rear pivot link 138. With reference again to Figure 7The rear ottoman drive link 172 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 174 to the rear pivot link 138. The other end of the rear ottoman drive link 172 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 178 to a center bell crank 176. The center bell crank 176 is also pivotally coupled at pivot point 180 to the seat deck 167. The center bell crank 176 couples the rear ottoman drive link 172 to a front ottoman drive link 182. More specifically, the front ottoman drive link 182 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 184 to the center bell crank 176 as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 The opposite end of the front ottoman drive link 182 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 188 to a rear ottoman link / recliner link 186. The coupling of the rear ottoman drive link 182, the center bell crank 176 and the front ottoman drive link 182 allows the rear pivot link 138 to be coupled to the rear ottoman link 186 and to transition from the interior of the seat deck 167 (rear ottoman drive link 172) to the exterior of the seat deck 167 (front ottoman drive link 182).

[0025] The rear ottoman link 186 is one link in an ottoman linkage 190 that moves the ottoman / recliner from a stowed position that is retracted under the seat to an extended position or TV position where the ottoman is extended in front of the seat. The rear ottoman link 186 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 192 to the seat deck 167. As best shown in Figure 7 A bracket 194 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 196 to the rear ottoman link 186. The opposite end of the bracket 194 is fixedly coupled to a front motor tube 198. A motor 200 (shown in cross-section in Figure 9 is pivotally coupled at one end to the front motor tube 198. As best shown in Figure 6 The motor 200 drives a block 202 that is pivotally coupled to a rear motor tube 204. Returning to the ottoman linkage 190, a front ottoman link 206 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 208 to the seat deck 167. As shown in Figure 9 A connector 210 is pivotally coupled at one end to the rear ottoman link 186 and at the other end to the front ottoman link 206. The end of the front ottoman link 206 opposite the pivot point 208 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 214 to a wide ottoman link 212 (see Figure 8 ). The end of the wide ottoman link 212 opposite the pivot point 212 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 218 to a main ottoman bracket 216. The front ottoman link 206 is also pivotally coupled at pivot point 222 to a main ottoman link 220. As shown in Figure 8 One end of the main ottoman link 220 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 224 to the rear ottoman link 186. As shown in Figure 9As shown, the other end of the main ottoman link 220 is pivotally coupled to the main ottoman bracket 216 at pivot point 226. In some aspects, the ottoman linkage 190 further includes an intermediate ottoman bracket 228 that is pivotally coupled to the main ottoman link 220 at pivot point 230 and pivotally coupled to the wide ottoman link 212 at pivot point 232. As Figure 9 shown, in some aspects, the front ottoman link 206 includes an inwardly extending stop pin 234. The stop pin 234 abuts / abuts against the main ottoman link 220 when the ottoman linkage 190 is in the extended position.

[0026] As Figure 9 shown best, the rear motor tube 204 is fixedly coupled to the front lift links 240. The motor tube 204 thus extends between the opposing front lift links 240. The front lift links 240 are pivotally coupled to the seat plate 167 at pivot points 242 and actuation of the motor 200 will cause the front lift links 240 to rotate about the pivot points 242 as the glide-recliner mechanism 100 moves from the extended position to the fully reclined position. As Figure 9 shown, a front pivot link 244 is pivotally coupled to the front lift links 240 at pivot point 246. As Figure 8 shown, the other end of the front pivot link 244 is pivotally coupled to the carrier link 112 at pivot point 248. In some aspects, the front pivot link 244 includes a stop pin 250. The front lift links 240 can include an outwardly extending lug / ledge that abuts against the stop pin 250 as the glide-recliner mechanism 100 moves to the fully reclined position, increasing the stability of the linkage in the fully reclined position. Returning to Figure 9 , a back drive link 252 is pivotally coupled to the front lift links 240 at pivot point 254. The other end of the back drive link 252 is pivotally coupled to a back bracket 256 at pivot point 258. The back bracket 256 is pivotally coupled to the seat plate 167 at pivot point 260. In the fully reclined position, as Figure 9 shown, the back bracket 256 abuts against the pin 170 on the rear pivot link 138. The pin 170 also increases the stability of the fully reclined position and helps to rotate the back bracket 256 from the fully reclined position to the extended position. In some aspects, the base rails 102 can be coupled to one another by one or more cross supports 262. In some aspects, as Figure 3 shown, a stop pin 264 can be coupled to the seat plate 167. The stop pin 264 extends inwardly and abuts against a portion of the front lift links 240 in the stowed and extended positions to tightly hold the links of the glide-recliner mechanism 100 in place.

[0027] When the glide-recliner mechanism 100 is moved from Figure 1 the stowed position to the extended position, the front lift links 240 rotate about the pivot points 242. The front pivot link 244 rotates about the pivot point 246 and the front lift links 240. The front pivot link 244 also rotates about the pivot point 248 and the carrier link 112. The wide ottoman link 212 rotates about the pivot point 232 and the intermediate ottoman bracket 228. The intermediate ottoman bracket 228 rotates about the pivot point 230 and the main ottoman link 220. The main ottoman link 220 rotates about the pivot point 226 and the main ottoman bracket 216. The wide ottoman link 212 also rotates about the pivot point 224 and the wide ottoman bracket 214. Figure 4When in the extended position, the rear pivot link 138 rotates forward (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, it rotates clockwise about pivot point 142. This rotation of the rear pivot link 138 causes the seat plate 167 to move downward and forward a distance, which is... Figure 4 The winning bid is D1 (in Figure 4 In the middle, from the pivot point 260 in the contracted position to the pivot point 260 in the extended position (position 260). This makes the center of gravity in Figure 4 The extended position moves downward and forward. When the sliding recliner mechanism 100 moves from... Figure 4 The stretch position is moved to Figure 8 When fully reclined in a zero-gravity position, the seat plate 167 moves slightly backward but remains in front of the folded-back position (at...). Figure 8 In the fully reclined position, pivot point 260 remains in front of and below pivot point 260' (the position of pivot point 260 when it is in the retracted position). To allow this forward movement, the front sliding link 122 is not directly connected to the support link 112 (as is the case in other sliding recliner mechanisms). Instead, the front sliding link 122 is connected to the sliding pivot link 126, which in turn is connected to the support link 112. This allows the sliding recliner mechanism 100 to move forward from... Figure 1 The gathering position is moved to Figure 4 When in the extended position, the lower end of the front sliding link 122 moves forward. This allows the lower end of the front sliding link 122 to move away from the lower end of the rear sliding link 108. In other words, Figure 1 The distance D3 marked in the middle (from pivot point 114 to pivot point 128) is less than Figure 4 The distance D4 marked in the middle (from pivot point 114 to pivot point 128).

[0028] When from Figure 6 The stretch position is moved to Figure 9 When the vehicle is in a fully tilted, zero-gravity position, the motor 200 moves the motor block 202 backward, causing the front lifting link 240 to move around the pivot point 242 on the seat plate 167 (as shown in the image). Figure 6 and Figure 9The pivot point 142 acts as a recline pivot point, and in some aspects, is located below and rearward of the rear of the seat pan 167. This movement pushes the front pivot link 244 downward, and increases the recline or angle of the seat pan 167 upward by raising the pivot point 242. This rotation also tilts / reclines the backrest bracket 256 by connecting the front lift link 240 to the backrest bracket 256 via the backrest drive link 252. As the glide-recliner mechanism 100 moves from the extended position to the fully reclined zero-gravity position, the seat (which is carried by the seat pan 167 and the seat bracket 169) and the backrest (which is carried by the backrest bracket 256) rotate about the pivot point 142. The pivot point 142 is located rearward and below a similar pivot point on the existing mechanism.

[0029] Figure 10 A chair 280 incorporating the glide-recliner mechanism 100 is shown schematically. The chair 280 includes the swivel base 104, the glide-recliner mechanism 100 (which will be in the Figure 9 position shown), an armrest 272, a backrest 274 (coupled to the backrest bracket 256), and a seat 270 (coupled to the seat bracket 169 and the seat pan 167). An ottoman is not shown in Figure 10 but it would extend forward of the seat in the direction shown. Figure 9 As shown, the glide-recliner mechanism 100 is operable to move the seat 270 and the backrest 274 in the fully reclined position to a position with increased recline. As Figure 10 shown, in some aspects, the seat 270 achieves an angle of 24.5 degrees. It will be appreciated that the angle or recline of the seat 270 can be adjusted to a range around 24.5 degrees, for example between about 21 and 27 degrees. Also as Figure 10 shown, the armrest 272 can have a rear lower corner identified as 276. As noted above, by moving the seat 270 forward, and by rotating the glide-recliner mechanism 100 about the pivot point 142, the distance D5 of the rear lower corner 276 of the armrest 270 moves forward, and is less than the distance on the existing mechanism and chair. In some aspects, the D5 distance can be as low as about one inch from the surface on which the chair 280 is placed. This is in contrast to the existing mechanism, in which the distance D5 can be more than 3.5 inches. In some aspects, the distance D5 of the chair 280 using the glide-recliner mechanism 100 is in the range of about one to one and a half inches.

[0030] Clause

[0031] In addition to the claims at the end of this specification, the following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses can be combined in a multiple dependent manner from one or more other clauses. Moreover, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that expressly depend from a preceding clause) can be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and not limitations.

[0032] Clause 1 : A glide recliner mechanism for use on a seat, the glide recliner mechanism comprising: a base; a glide bracket coupled to the base; a front glide link having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the front glide link pivotally coupled to the glide bracket; a rear glide link having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the rear glide link pivotally coupled to the glide bracket; a recline mechanism having a plurality of interconnected links, the recline mechanism coupled to the lower ends of the front glide link and the rear glide link; a backrest bracket coupled to the recline mechanism; a seat pan coupled to the recline mechanism; a footrest linkage coupled to the recline mechanism; the recline mechanism operable to move the glide recliner mechanism from a stowed position in which the footrest linkage is stowed within the seat pan to an extended position in which the footrest linkage extends forward of the seat pan, and to a fully reclined position in which the footrest linkage extends forward of the seat pan, the seat pan is canted from front to back, and the backrest bracket is reclined from an upright position; wherein the interconnected links of the recline mechanism move the lower end of the front glide link forward when the recline mechanism moves the glide recliner mechanism from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0033] Clause 2: The glide recliner mechanism of clause 1, wherein the interconnected links of the recline mechanism further comprise a carrier link, wherein the lower end of the rear glide link is pivotally coupled directly to the carrier link, and the lower end of the front glide link is pivotally coupled indirectly to the carrier link.

[0034] Clause 3: The glide recliner mechanism of any one of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the interconnected links of the recline mechanism further comprise a glide pivot link pivotally coupled between the carrier link and the front glide link.

[0035] Clause 4: The glide recliner mechanism of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the interconnected links of the recline mechanism further comprise: a rear pivot link pivotally coupled to the carrier link and the seat pan; and a glide control link pivotally coupled at one end to the rear pivot link and at another end to the glide pivot link; wherein the rear pivot link is rotated forward when the recline mechanism moves the glide recliner mechanism from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0036] Clause 5: The glide-recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the forward rotation of the rear pivot link causes the glide control link to translate forward when the recline mechanism moves the glide-recliner mechanism from the stowed position to the extended position, thereby moving the lower end of the front glide link forward.

[0037] Clause 6: The glide-recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the forward rotation of the rear pivot link causes the seat deck to translate forward when the recline mechanism moves the glide-recliner mechanism from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0038] Clause 7: The glide-recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the seat deck, the backrest support, and the ottoman linkage rotate about a pivot point between the rear pivot link and the load-bearing link when the glide-recliner mechanism moves from the extended position to the fully-reclined position.

[0039] Clause 8: The glide-recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the pivot point between the rear pivot link and the load-bearing link is located below and rearward of the lower corner of the seat deck.

[0040] Clause 9: The glide-recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the lower end of the front glide link and the lower end of the rear glide link are a first distance apart when the glide-recliner mechanism is in the stowed position, and the lower end of the front glide link and the lower end of the rear glide link are a second distance apart when the glide-recliner mechanism is in the extended position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0041] Clause 10: The glide-recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising an inwardly-extending stop pin fixedly coupled with the rear pivot link, wherein a lower portion of the backrest support rests against the stop pin when the glide-recliner mechanism is in the fully-reclined position.

[0042] Clause 11 : A glide recliner comprising: a base; a glide recliner mechanism coupled to the base; a seat coupled to the glide recliner mechanism; a backrest coupled to the glide recliner mechanism; an ottoman coupled to the glide recliner mechanism; a pair of spaced-apart armrests coupled to the glide recliner mechanism; the glide recliner mechanism operable to allow glide reciprocation of the seat when the glide recliner is in a stowed position, in which the ottoman linkage is stowed under the seat and the backrest is generally upright, and to move the glide recliner from the stowed position to an extended position in which the ottoman is extended forward of the seat and the backrest is generally upright, and to a fully reclined position in which the ottoman is extended forward of the seat, the seat is reclined from front to back, and the backrest is reclined from an upright position; wherein the glide recliner mechanism causes the glide recliner to rotate about a recline pivot point located under and rearward of a rear side of the seat when the glide recliner is moved from the extended position to the fully reclined position.

[0043] Clause 12: The glide recliner of clause 11, wherein the recline pivot point allows a rearmost lower portion of each seat armrest to be within one and a half inches of a bottom support surface on which the glide recliner rests when the glide recliner is moved to the fully reclined position.

[0044] Clause 13: The glide recliner of any of clauses 11-12, wherein the seat is reclined at an angle of 20 degrees or more relative to horizontal in the fully reclined position.

[0045] Clause 14: The glide recliner of any of clauses 11-13, wherein the glide recliner mechanism causes the seat to move forward when the recliner is moved from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0046] Clause 15: The glide recliner of any of clauses 11-14, wherein the glide recliner mechanism prevents glide reciprocation in the extended position and the fully reclined position.

[0047] Clause 16: A glide recliner mechanism for use on a seat, the glide recliner mechanism comprising: a base; a glide bracket coupled to the base; a front glide link having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the front glide link pivotally coupled to the glide bracket; a rear glide link having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the rear glide link pivotally coupled to the glide bracket; a recline mechanism having a plurality of interconnected links, the recline mechanism coupled to the lower end of the rear glide link and the lower end of the front glide link, the interconnected links of the recline mechanism comprising: a backrest bracket coupled to the recline mechanism; a seat pan coupled to the recline mechanism; a footrest linkage coupled to the recline mechanism; a carrier link, wherein the lower end of the rear glide link is directly pivotally coupled to the carrier link and the lower end of the front glide link is indirectly pivotally coupled to the carrier link; and a rear pivot link pivotally coupled to the carrier link and the seat pan; the recline mechanism operable to move the glide recliner mechanism from a stowed position in which the footrest linkage is stowed by the front glide link to an extended position in which the footrest linkage is extended forward of the seat pan, and to a fully reclined position in which the footrest linkage is extended forward of the seat pan, the seat pan is reclined from front to back, and the backrest bracket is reclined from an upright position; wherein a pivot point of the rear pivot link and the carrier link acts as a recline pivot point about which the (recline) mechanism rotates when moving from the extended position to the fully reclined position, and the recline pivot point is located below a rear of the seat pan.

[0048] Clause 17: The glide recliner mechanism of clause 16, wherein the interconnected links of the recline mechanism further comprise a glide pivot link pivotably coupled between the carrier link and the front glide link.

[0049] Clause 18: The glide recliner mechanism of any one of clauses 16-17, wherein the rear pivot link is rotated forward when the recline mechanism moves the glide recliner mechanism from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0050] Clause 19: The glide recliner mechanism of any one of clauses 16-18, wherein the forward rotation of the rear pivot link causes the glide control link to translate forward, thereby moving the lower end of the front glide link forward, when the recline mechanism moves the glide recliner mechanism from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0051] Clause 20: The glide recliner mechanism of any one of clauses 16-19, wherein the lower end of the front glide link and the lower end of the rear glide link are a first distance apart when the glide recliner mechanism is in the stowed position, and the lower end of the front glide link and the lower end of the rear glide link are a second distance apart when the glide recliner mechanism is in the extended position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0052] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the application, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the application. The true scope and spirit of the application should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sliding recliner mechanism for use in a seat, the sliding recliner mechanism comprising: Base; A sliding bracket connected to the base; A front sliding link with an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to a sliding bracket; It has a rear sliding link with an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to the sliding bracket; A rearward tilting mechanism having multiple interconnected links, the rearward tilting mechanism being connected to the lower ends of the front sliding link and the rear sliding link; Backrest bracket connected to the reclining mechanism; The seat plate is connected to the tilting mechanism; The footstool linkage mechanism is connected to the reclining mechanism; The reclining mechanism can be operated to move the sliding recliner mechanism from the retracted position where the footrest linkage mechanism is retracted to the extended position where the footrest linkage mechanism is extended in front of the seat plate, and to the fully reclined position where the footrest linkage mechanism is extended in front of the seat plate, the seat plate is tilted from front to back, and the backrest support is tilted back from the upright position. Specifically, when the reclining mechanism moves the sliding recliner mechanism from the folded position to the extended position, the interconnecting links of the reclining mechanism cause the lower end of the front sliding link to move forward.

2. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The interconnecting links of the tilting mechanism also include a load-bearing link. The lower end of the rear sliding link is directly pivotally connected to the load-bearing link, and the lower end of the front sliding link is indirectly pivotally connected to the load-bearing link.

3. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The interconnecting links of the tilting mechanism also include a sliding pivot link, which is pivotally connected between the load-bearing link and the front sliding link.

4. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The interconnecting links of the tilting mechanism also include: The rear pivot link, which is pivotally connected to the load-bearing link and the seat plate; and The sliding control link is pivotally connected at one end to the rear pivot link and at the other end to the sliding pivot link; Specifically, when the reclining mechanism moves the sliding recliner mechanism from the folded position to the extended position, the rear pivot link rotates forward.

5. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, When the reclining mechanism moves the sliding recliner mechanism from the folded position to the extended position, the forward rotation of the rear pivot link causes the sliding control link to translate forward, thereby moving the lower end of the front sliding link forward.

6. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, When the reclining mechanism moves the sliding recliner mechanism from the folded position to the extended position, the forward rotation of the rear pivot link causes the seat plate to translate forward.

7. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, When the sliding recliner mechanism moves from the extended position to the fully reclined position, the seat plate, backrest support and footstool linkage rotate about a pivot point located between the rear pivot link and the load-bearing link.

8. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 7, wherein, The pivot point, located between the rear pivot link and the load-bearing link, is located below and behind the lower corner of the seat plate.

9. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, When the sliding recliner mechanism is in the retracted position, the lower ends of the front sliding link and the rear sliding link are separated by a first distance. When the sliding recliner mechanism is in the extended position, the lower ends of the front sliding link and the rear sliding link are separated by a second distance, which is greater than the first distance.

10. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 4 further includes an inwardly extending stop pin fixedly connected to the rear pivot link, wherein, When the sliding recliner mechanism is in the fully reclined position, the lower part of the backrest support abuts against the stop pin.

11. A sliding recliner, comprising: Base; A sliding recliner mechanism connected to the base; The seat is connected to the sliding recliner mechanism; The backrest is connected to the sliding recliner mechanism; A footstool connected to the sliding recliner mechanism; A pair of spaced-apart armrests connected to the sliding recliner mechanism; The sliding recliner mechanism is operable to allow the seat to slide back and forth when the recliner is in the folded position, in which the footstool linkage mechanism retracts under the seat and the backrest is generally upright. The sliding recliner mechanism is also operable to move the sliding recliner from the folded position to the extended position and to the fully reclined position, in which the footstool extends in front of the seat and the backrest is generally upright, and in the fully reclined position, the footstool extends in front of the seat, the seat reclines from front to back, and the backrest reclines from the upright position. Specifically, when the sliding recliner moves from the extended position to the fully reclined position, the sliding recliner mechanism causes the recliner to rotate around the reclined pivot point located below and behind the seat.

12. The sliding recliner according to claim 11, wherein, When the gliding recliner is moved to the fully reclined position, the recline pivot point allows the rearmost lower portion of each seat armrest to lie within 1.5 inches of the bottom support surface used to support the gliding recliner.

13. The sliding recliner according to claim 12, wherein, In the fully reclined position, the seat is tilted at an angle of more than 20 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

14. The sliding recliner according to claim 11, wherein, When the recliner moves from the folded position to the extended position, the sliding recliner mechanism moves the seat forward.

15. The sliding recliner according to claim 14, wherein, In the extended and fully reclined positions, the sliding recliner mechanism prevents sliding reciprocating motion.

16. A sliding recliner mechanism for use in a seat, the sliding recliner mechanism comprising: Base; A sliding bracket connected to the base; A front sliding link having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the front sliding link being pivotally connected to a sliding bracket; A rear sliding link having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the rear sliding link being pivotally connected to a sliding bracket; A tilting mechanism having multiple interconnecting links, the tilting mechanism being connected to the lower ends of a rear sliding link and a front sliding link, the interconnecting links of the tilting mechanism including: Backrest bracket connected to the reclining mechanism; The seat plate is connected to the tilting mechanism; The footstool linkage mechanism is connected to the reclining mechanism; The load-bearing link, wherein the lower end of the rear sliding link is directly pivotally connected to the load-bearing link, and the lower end of the front sliding link is indirectly pivotally connected to the load-bearing link; and The rear pivot link is pivotally connected to the load-bearing link and the seat plate; The reclining mechanism can be operated to move the sliding recliner mechanism from the retracted position where the footrest linkage mechanism is retracted to the extended position where the footrest linkage mechanism is extended in front of the seat plate, and to the fully reclined position where the footrest linkage mechanism is extended in front of the seat plate, the seat plate is tilted from front to back, and the backrest support is tilted back from the upright position. The pivot point of the rear pivot link and the load-bearing link is used as the tilt pivot point. When moving from the extended position to the fully tilted position, the tilt mechanism rotates around this tilt pivot point, and the tilt pivot point is located below the rear of the seat plate.

17. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, The interconnecting links of the tilting mechanism also include a sliding pivot link pivotally connected between the load-bearing link and the front sliding link.

18. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 17, wherein, When the reclining mechanism moves the sliding recliner mechanism from the folded position to the extended position, the rear pivot link rotates forward.

19. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 18, wherein, When the reclining mechanism moves the sliding recliner mechanism from the folded position to the extended position, the forward rotation of the rear pivot link causes the sliding control link to translate forward, thereby moving the lower end of the front sliding link forward.

20. The sliding recliner mechanism according to claim 19, wherein, When the sliding recliner mechanism is in the retracted position, the lower ends of the front sliding link and the rear sliding link are separated by a first distance. When the sliding recliner mechanism is in the extended position, the lower ends of the front sliding link and the rear sliding link are separated by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

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